How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for All Skin Types: A Comprehensive Guide

No matter what your skin type, daily use of sunscreen can reduce signs of skin aging, help avoid tan and sunburn, and mitigate serious effects of chronic sun exposure such as skin cancer. It's easier to get into the habit of applying sunscreen every day if you love how the product looks and feels on your skin. As every skin type has its set of unique characteristics, a sunscreen that works well for you may be less satisfactory for someone else. This discussion on the best sunscreen for all skin types will help you decide which product you might enjoy using.

What are the different types of skin?

The first step in identifying the best sunscreen for you is to know your skin type. If you haven't a clear idea, here's how you can determine your skin type:

Dry skin

Dry skin produces less oil than other skin types. As a result, it may be flaky, feel tight, and show more visible lines. Dry skin may also be itchy and irritable. Sun exposure can further dry out skin.

Oily skin

Oily skin produces an excess of sebum, making the face look shiny and feel greasy. People with oily skin have enlarged pores that can more easily collect bacteria and dirt, resulting in acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Combination skin

In people with combination skin, their T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oilier than other areas of the face. The skin is oilier in summer and drier in winter.

Normal skin

Skin is defined as normal if it is neither too dry nor too oily. Normal skin has small pores, a smooth skin texture, and is less prone to skin irritation or blemishes.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin is prone to irritation, inflammation, or allergies due to environmental factors or certain products. It may appear red and feel itchy or dry.

Tips on selecting the best sunscreen for all types of skin

Sunscreen consists of active ingredients - which do the actual job of protecting against UV rays - and inactive ingredients - which provide hydration, antioxidant benefits, tinting effects (in case of a tinted sunscreen) and have other skin nourishing properties. Some of these ingredients may be well-suited or ill-suited to your skin type.

Sunscreens for dry skin

If you have dry skin, look at cream or lotion-based sunscreens containing moisturizing and hydrating ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe vera, and jojoba oil. Dry skin has a weakened skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV rays. A sunscreen of SPF higher than 30, ideally one that blocks 99% of UV rays, can provide optimal sun protection.

UltraLite Fluid Sunscreen | SPF 50+

UltraProtect Fluid Sunscreen | SPF 100+

Sunscreens for oily skin

Have oily skin? A mattifying sunscreen can prevent oily skin from looking oilier. As oily skin is acne-prone, a non-comedogenic sunscreen ("Oil-free" on label) is best as it won't clog pores and trigger acne. Common non-comedogenic ingredients in sunscreens include aloe vera, Vitamin E, and niacinamide. Sunscreen lotions and sun creams absorb less easily into the skin, potentially worsening congestion, or feel heavy on the skin. Serums, gels, and sprays are preferable as they absorb easily into the skin without leaving a trace.

UltraMatte Oil-Free Fluid Sunscreen | SPF 50+

Sunscreens for combination skin

For your combination skin, go for an oil-free, lightweight sunscreen that won't make your skin greasy. A sunscreen with a matte finish is a good choice. Your sunscreen should also have hydrating ingredients that moisturize and nourish your skin.

UltraMatte Oil-Free Fluid Sunscreen | SPF 50+

Sunscreens for normal skin

If you have normal skin , any sunscreen will suit you. A good all skin type sunscreen is one that offers a high level of UV protection (SPF30 or above/PA+++ rating).

UltraLite Fluid Sunscreen | SPF 50+

UltraProtect Fluid Sunscreen | SPF 100+

Sunscreens for sensitive skin

Certain ingredients in sunscreen can irritate sensitive skin. In general, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide do well for skin that's easily reactive. These active ingredients sit on top of skin, blocking and scattering UV rays away from it. You also want to avoid sunscreens with added fragrance. Alternatively, you can opt for one having fragrance but labelled 'hypoallergenic'.

UltraSensitive Mineral Sunscreen | SPF 50+

Conclusion

Finding the best sunscreen for your skin type doesn't have to be difficult. You know, from using skincare products, how your skin reacts. There is no great difference when it comes to sunscreen. For example, if you use an oil-free moisturizer for your oily skin, you should use an oil-free sunscreen. If your skin is dry, mattifying products may make your skin appear flaky and dull. A hydrating product is preferable or one that works with the cosmetics and lotions you wear daily to achieve a balance between mattification and hydration. Keep your skin sensitivities and characteristics in mind when looking at the best sunscreen for all skin types and you'll find a winner quickly.